BCS COLLEGE ADVISOR

OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 2

The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) opens October 1, 2026. All seniors planning to receive Florida Bright Futures funding must complete it.

To get started:

1. Visit the Florida Bright Futures website (click the image above).
2. On the left-hand side, click State Grants, Scholarships & Applications.
3. Create an account to access the Florida Financial Aid Application.
4. Click on the Florida Financial Aid Application and complete the process.

Completing this application authorizes BCS to send your transcripts to the Florida Department of Education so you can receive Bright Futures funding.

Deadline: May 21, 2027. Students who miss this deadline will no longer be eligible for Bright Futures funding.

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2027 competition.

• Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed
• Male and female students compete separately.
• 2027 Most Valuable Student applications are due to the Elks Lodge closest to the applicant's home by November 12, 2026. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
• To apply, click on the image above.

Applications must be submitted to the Elks Lodge closest to the student's permanent U.S. address. Applications must advance through local, district and state competitions to reach national judging. In late April, the 20 top finalists will participate in a Leadership Weekend in Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These 20 finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

* Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.

** Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply.

The BCS Counseling Office is hosting a Junior Parent & Student Workshop to help students prepare for a successful rest of high school and guide families through the college admissions process. Both students and parents are strongly encouraged to attend so everyone hears the same information.

Topics will include answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, such as:

• When should students take the ACT, SAT, or CLT?
• What classes should students take senior year?
• When should students apply to college?
• What else can parents do to help support their student?
• Is my student on track for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program?
• How do students choose the right college or university?

These workshops are always informative and offer helpful direction for families before diving into the admissions process.

Monday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Wichers Auditorium

Special Guest will be Nate Gruhl, founder and tutor for the SAT and ACT tests from NG Tutoring. I look forward to seeing you there!

PSAT/NMSQT — Thursday, October 15

9th–11th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT, which measures verbal reasoning, math, and writing skills. It's great SAT practice, provides feedback on academic skills, and is the only path to National Merit Finalist status.

Cost: $18, automatically added to your next tuition statement (all students are automatically registered).

Laptop required: This is a digital test — students must bring a fully charged laptop (able to hold a charge for 3 hours) plus their charger, just in case.

Bluebook app: Students are downloading the Bluebook app and completing exam-day prep this week (Mon/Tue, first week of October). This gives them access to practice tests and a test overview. If your student hasn't completed this step, please see Mrs. Cunard before October 15.

Scholarship note: Students receiving Step Up for Students state funding must take this test to maintain eligibility.

Southeastern University is offering the opportunity for students to meet with their admissions team and find out your acceptance on the spot. This will be on, November 3 at 10am in Mrs. Cunard’s office. The information you will need includes the following:

• Apply at www.seu.edu/apply well in advance of November 5 Also, the application fee will be waived by using a code (Please see Mrs. Cunard for the fee waiver code)
• Transcripts - Students will need to provide a current transcript (does not have to be official)
• Biographical Essay - Describe the beginning and present growth of your relationship with God and how you see yourself as a good match for Southeastern University’s academic and spiritual environment? (This essay should be at least 1-2 pages double spaced).
• Christian Character Reference Form - This form should be done by someone that is NOT a relative and has known the student for at least six months.

NOTE—The reference form will be waived in favor of an interview on November 3

**SEU is test optional. Students may choose to submit SAT, ACT or CLT scores; however, these scores are not required for admission purposes or for receiving academic merit scholarships. Test scores are only factored in if they help you reach a higher scholarship tier.

Please click on the SEU image to apply or learn more about this university.

If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Cunard at jcunard@bcspanthers.org

Students who are interested in becoming a US Naval Academy Midshipman - you are invited to the annual US Naval Academy Founder's Day Students & Candidate Dinner on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. This is for freshmen through seniors, along with their parents to attend. Whether you are already a candidate or just beginning to explore the Naval Academy, this event is for you. Please click on the image below to register to attend by October 5.

Create an original parade float design and submit your entry to win a VIP experience at Universal Orlando and tuition scholarship awards. Your challenge is to conceive an original parade float - one worthy of a major theme park boulevard or a world-famous city parade route.

• First place - $20,000 tuition scholarship
• Second place - $10,000 tuition scholarship
• Third place - $5,000 tuition scholarship

Eligibility: The Theme Park Design Competition is open to all US high school students enrolled in grades 11 and 12 during the 2026-2027 school year.

Deadline for entry is November 30, 2026. Please click on the image for more information.

Looking for another option beyond the SAT or ACT? The Classical Learning Test (CLT) is a nationally recognized college entrance exam now accepted by all Florida State Universities and over 250 colleges and universities nationwide.

Why consider the CLT?

• Shorter Testing Time - approximately 2 hours
• Contains 3 sections - Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning
• 120 Questions
• Scores range from 0-120
• No penalty for incorrect answers
• Accepted at over 250 colleges
• Cost is $69

Before submitting any application that requires a letter of recommendation, students are asked whether they DO or DO NOT want to waive their right to review recommendations and supporting documents. Many students and parents assume this decision doesn't matter—but it does. Here's why you should consider waiving your FERPA right:

• Some teachers and counselors won't submit a recommendation unless the student waives their rights; many schools have policies against sending one otherwise.
• Letter writers may hesitate to be fully candid, even when they have only positive things to say.
• Writers may default to a generic letter that adds little value for the admissions committee.
• Admissions committees may assume an unwaived recommendation is less candid and discount it accordingly.
• Our recommendation is to always waive your rights. This shows the college or university you have nothing to hide.

It's natural to feel like you're giving up some control by waiving your rights. But keep in mind that teachers and counselors have their students' best interests at heart when writing recommendations. If you're worried a writer might submit an unflattering letter, either choose a different writer or talk with them directly. And if you're still unsure about waiving your FERPA rights, talk to Mrs. Cunard.

The Levine Scholars Program will award 20 incoming freshmen a scholarship valued at $155,000 over four years. The award includes full tuition, room and board for eight semesters, plus funding for four summer experiences and a service grant.

The program seeks:

• Outstanding seniors who show strong academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service
• Students applying for freshman enrollment at UNC Charlotte for Fall 2027 (admission is required to receive the scholarship)
• Individuals who demonstrate motivation, ethical leadership, and a passion for learning and community engagement

Interested students should see Mrs. Cunard no later than Friday, October 9, 2026, for details.

More information: levinescholars@uncc.edu - (704) 687-5880

The College Board has instituted the practice to include student access to online resources and a fall registration deadline, which places exam order deadline October 23, 2026. The cost per AP exam is $110 per exam.

The registration process for Advanced Placement exams has been simplified. Students have already begun the registration process by “joining” the correct course section at the beginning of the school year through myap.collegeboard.org and entering a unique join code for each class section.

Students have received an AP Exam Order Form in early September, which allows them to confirm which exams they plan to take or not take. After October 23, changing the testing decision will come with a $40 add/drop fee.

AP exam fees will be reflected in your tuition bill beginning in January. In October, students/parents will follow these steps to complete the registration, payment and confirmation process:

1) Complete the AP Exam Order Form (distributed in AP Classes in early October).

2) Submit your AP Exam Order Form to your AP teacher by Friday, October 23.

For more information, please email Mrs. Cunard at jcunard@bcspanthers.org

The AES Engineering Scholarship is offering a scholarship to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education.

How to Apply: Students must submit an essay between 500 and 1000 words in an answer to the following question—When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?

Amount of Award: $500

Deadline for Entry: October 8, 2026

Submit Essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com

• The University of Alabama is excited to announce Free App Week, running October 5-9. During Free App Week, students will have until 11:59 pm on Friday, October 9 to complete their application to The University of Alabama via the UA Undergraduate APP.

• NOTE: Applications submitted via the Common App will continue to require a $40 application fee during this period. For more information regarding the admission requirements, click on the image to complete the application.

Apply for our $40,000 No Essay Scholarship and focus on your education, not your finances. The winner will be selected by random drawing and will be notified via email by Votigo, our official scholarship fulfillment partner, by November 15th.

Who Can Apply

All high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

How It Works

The $40,000 "No Essay" Scholarship is an easy scholarship with no essay required. Only one entry allowed per person. The winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced in Niche's e-newsletter and on the Scholarship Winners page.

Deadline and Application - The deadline is October 15. To access the application, click on the image above.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1. It’s important to complete the form and submit it as soon as possible, as some financial aid is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the website at Home | Federal Student Aid These virtual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) events are designed for high school seniors and their families. Filling out the FAFSA gives you access to federal, state, and college-based sources to help you pay for your education. The following schedule is for LIVE workshops from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at area high schools.

Chase Away Epilepsy - This event is a walk founded by one of our current families who has a child dealing with epilepsy. Their hope is to build awareness, and proceeds will go to Josh Provides Organization which coordinates resources for families dealing with epilepsy. Volunteers are needed to participate in this walk. Please click on the image to sign up as a volunteer or donate.

The walk will take place on Saturday, November 7 @ 9:30 am

GT Bray Park Amphitheater & Happy Trails Dog Park | 2811 51st Street West, Bradenton, FL

College reps will be on campus throughout September and October to meet with interested juniors and seniors. Most visits take place in the Skybox, and an announcement will be made schoolwide once each rep arrives, so students know it's time to head over and meet with them.

• Monday, October 5 – Furman University @ 12:35pm
• Wednesday, October 14 – Florida Polytechnic University @ 8:00am
• Monday, October 26 - University of South Florida @ 8:30am
• Friday, October 30 - Flagler College @ 10:00am

The BCS Key Club is collecting items for Operation Christmas Child from October 12 - November 6. Items can be dropped off in any elementary classroom or in the lobbies of the middle and high school buildings. We'd love to exceed the 200 boxes we collected last year, and we need everyone's help.

Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need. Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.

Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.

Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.

Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.

All volunteers must register in advance to participate. Click on the image to register or find out more about this opportunity.

LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY

More than a place to study – a place to belong.

• Academics – over 50 undergraduate programs and 12 accelerated master’s degrees
• Admissions – Test optional and rolling admissions, with a priority deadline of November 1
• Athletics – 20+ varsity teams as a Bear (NCAA Division II) – including football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball, track & field and triathlon. Recent highlights: 2023 Men’s Lacrosse National Champions and 3x Women’s Triathlon National Champions.
• Get Involved – over 60 student organizations and activities scheduled throughout the year
• Location (Hickory, NC — gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, about an hour from Charlotte and Asheville, near Lake Hickory) and Around the Community (downtown shops/restaurants, Lake Hickory recreation, Catawba Science Center, and easy access to both mountains and city).

NOTE: The application fee is FREE. For more information or to apply to this university, click on the image above.

The DAR Good Citizens Program and Scholarship contest is now available. BCS can nominate one senior. Each state winner receives an award of at least $500. Each of the eight division (multi-state groups) winners will receive a cash award in the amount of $1,000. Two national winners will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship and invited to Washington D.C. Requirements are to be a Senior and demonstrate the following character qualities:

• Dependability
• Service
• Leadership
• Patriotism

Scholarship Application:

The selected student participates in the scholarship contest, which involves two parts:

Part I: Personal Essay & Application: The student writes a lengthy essay about their personal commitment to being a good citizen and submits an application that includes their academic records, and letters of recommendation.

Part II: Timed Essay: Students write a topical essay within a two-hour time limit under the supervision of faculty or a DAR member.

The personal outline, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, the essay and the Student Cover Sheet need to be emailed no later than Friday, October 30. Please see Mrs. Cunard to pick up an application.